They usually picture something out of a dystopian movie. A sudden, widespread terror, or perhaps a catastrophic event.
But in reality, societal breakdowns don’t happen overnight.
The first sign is far subtler than that
It’s a shift in trust.
That’s right, folks.
Trust is the glue that holds our society together.
The belief that your neighbor will respect your property.
That the grocery store will have food..
That your funds are safe.
But when that trust begins to erode, we’re on a slippery slope.
When people start losing confidence in the institutions that uphold society
When faith in the authorities dwindles…
We start edging closer to a societal breakdown.
Imagine going to work one day, and noticing a huge crowd of worried individuals outside of the biggest local banks.
Everyone is suddenly trying to withdraw their funds
Why?
Are banks not to be trusted anymore?
Do you have to withdraw your savings too?
Or imagine if trust in law enforcement begins to falter, and individuals may take matters into their own hands
Leading to an increase in vigilante justice and public unrest.
I am not sharing this to scare you. Quite the opposite. Awareness is the first step towards preparation.
If we can spot the signs early enough, we can prepare, adapt, and survive.
So, what can we do?
We can keep a close eye on societal sentiment.
Pay close attention to current events, the rumblings on social media, and the worries and concerns of your neighbors and friends.
These can provide valuable insights into the state of societal trust.
Then, you can ensure you are prepared for self-sufficiency.
This means having a reliable stockpile, honing our survival skills, and fostering a close-knit community of like-minded individuals.
Societal collapse is a gradual process.
If we spot it early enough, it can give us the upper hand.
So let us stay vigilant and aware.
This Is Why Most People Will Not Make It When SHTF
Imagine you’re planning a road trip that will last a week.
You figure out where you’ll stay, what you’ll eat, and which sights you’ll see.
But what if this trip wouldn’t last a week, but an entire year
Would you be able to remain safe?
This is a real possibility, folks.
Emergencies can force us to transform our way of living for good.
Most people think about what they’ll do for an emergency that might last a couple of days or weeks.
But that’s just not enough.
To really thrive when SHTF, we need to think months, years, and even decades ahead.
The long-term, day-to-day living in a different world.
Canned food and bottled water will keep you safe for some time. Months even.
But what happens when those run out?
In the long run, skills like hunting, fishing, farming, preserving food, and sourcing clean water are essential.
This is why what we do is so important.
We constantly improve our prepping abilities and add to our skill set.
Just like our ancestors did.
They knew the land, the seasons, the plants, and the animals. They understood that prepping wasn’t a sprint, but a marathon.
We have to adopt this kind of mindset as well.
We need to think beyond the initial emergency, beyond the canned goods, and towards a future where we don’t just think about what we have, but about what we know and what we can do.
If there’s one thing that everyone has to learn how to survive during tough times…
It’s making do with what you have.
Seeing the potential in everyday items is what separates an experienced prepper from a beginner.
In this short letter, I want to talk to you about the surprising survival uses of a simple plastic bag.
First, let’s talk about the obvious. Carrying stuff.
Whether you’re foraging for wild edibles or just organizing your tools, a sturdy plastic bag can hold a surprising amount of weight and volume.
But let’s dig deeper, folks.
Imagine this. You’re in a pinch, and you’ve run out of clean water.
There’s a clear, beautiful stream nearby.
But we are aware of the risks of drinking directly from it, right?
Enter the plastic bag. Fill it up, then use your survival water purifier and make it safe to drink.
Another use is in food gathering. Fill a bag with lush, green, non-poisonous leaves, and you’ve got yourself a solar still that can provide you with precious drinkable water.
(There are tons of tutorials on the web on how to do that).
Or let’s say you’re caught in the rain without proper gear.
A large trash bag can easily be converted into an emergency poncho, keeping you dry and protecting you from hypothermia.
One more tip…
One that might sound a little unusual.
A black plastic bag can be used for signaling.
Fill it with air, tie it shut, and you’ve got yourself a noticeable distress signal that could attract the attention of rescuers.
I’m not saying a plastic bag is the answer to every survival need.
But in a pinch, it can serve you in ways you might not expect.
The key, as always, is to think creatively and adaptively.
The more you can see the potential in the ordinary, the easier you’ll fare when the chips are down.
So, the next time you see a discarded plastic bag, give it another look. It might just be your ticket to self-sustenance.
This Will Be Your Most Robust Tool When SHTF
Let me ask you an honest question.
When SHTF, what will be your most useful tool?
Most people think about their stockpiles or their security systems.
However, there is another important aspect of emergency readiness that is quite often overlooked.
And that’s your skills.
If everything around us crumbles to the ground, the dominant currency will shift.
And our usual means of exchanging goods and services no longer hold value.
If that happens, your unique skills become your most valuable asset.
The more diverse your skillset, the more valuable you become to your community, and the better you’ll do when everything else falls apart.
In such a world, it’s not about being the strongest or the smartest.
It’s about having a wide range of abilities that can assist you and those around you navigate through challenging times.
The more versatile you are, the more ready you’ll be for whatever comes your way.
So, what can you do to ensure that you have the most powerful tool at your disposal when SHTF?
The answer is simple.
Invest in yourself.
By learning different skills and expanding your knowledge, you become more well-rounded and capable.
You don’t have to be an expert in everything, but even a basic understanding of various skills can make a significant difference when it matters most.
This also means that everything you know so far could be useful.
Are you a good cook?
A good mechanic?
A good dentist?
When SHTF, everything could be useful?
If you can provide something that other people will need, you will be in a more advantageous position to protect your family.
You will be able to trade your skills for food, water, gear, and anything else you might need.
So think about the abilities that you currently have…
What skills you can acquire?
Where you can improve?
And try to expand your skillset as much as possible
How To Be Your Own Medic When SHTF
Imagine this…
A major emergency has struck, and people everywhere are panicking.
You find yourself alone, with no healthcare personnel in sight.
You’ve got a nasty cut that needs attention, pronto. Do you know what to do?
In situations like this, knowing how to perform first aid on yourself is crucial.
It’s a piece of knowledge that every American needs to know.
Everyone has a trusty first aid kit…
But how many of us actually know how to use everything in it properly? Knowledge is your greatest weapon, folks.
Let’s start with the basics.
First up is dealing with cuts and scrapes.
If it’s a minor one, you just need to clean it with warm water and soap, apply some antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage.
However, if it’s deep, you need to take care of the bleeding first.
Apply pressure using a clean cloth until it subsides.
If it’s very severe, you might need to use a tourniquet, but this should be your last resort.
Next, let’s talk sprains.
If you’ve rolled your ankle or twisted your wrist, remember the acronym R.I.C.E.
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Keep the injured area immobilized, use an ice pack if available, wrap it in a bandage, and elevate it above your heart level.
How about burns?
Everyone has felt the sting of touching a hot pan. Minor burns can be soothed with cool (not cold) water and a soothing cream or aloe vera.
Severe burns, however, require immediate professional attention.
The safest thing you can do is cover it with a clean, dry cloth and try not to burst any blisters.
So far so good.
The true challenge arises when it comes to dealing with broken bones.
If you suspect a fracture, the first step is immobilization.
Use a splint or even a piece of wood to keep the injured area from moving. Then, apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
And remember, this is a temporary fix to survive until you receive professional attention.
I know this is a lot to take in. I’m not expecting you to become an expert medic overnight.
But the reality is that in a survival scenario, we have to take on roles we might not be comfortable with.
You may have to be your own medic, nurse, and first responder rolled into one.
I suggest you start with these basics, and then keep learning.
Because in the world of survival, knowledge isn’t just power. It’s everything.
Focus On These Areas To Retain A “SHTF” Physique
You know that sinking feeling when you’ve been sitting too long and stand up, just to feel aches and stiffness in your joints?
Imagine that feeling in a high-stress emergency situation.
Not an ideal scenario, right?
When it comes to prepping, we often focus on the tools, the skills, and the items we need to endure.
However, we mustn’t overlook one of our most important assets. Our own muscles.
Physical fitness is an essential, yet often underrated, aspect of prepping
In an emergency, a strong, agile, and resilient physique can make an incredible difference.
Whether you’re bugging out on foot, chopping wood for a fire, or defending yourself and your family, your physical capabilities will play a critical role in your overall security.
To build an emergency-ready physique, focus on these key areas:
Endurance
When emergency strikes, you may have to cover long distances on foot, carrying heavy loads.
Cardiovascular exercises like running, biking, or swimming will allow you to build the stamina you need.
Strength
In a high-stakes situation, you’ll likely have to carry heavy equipment, move obstacles, or climb over barriers.
Incorporate weight training or bodyweight exercises to build overall strength.
Flexibility
Flexibility and mobility are essential for injury prevention and general well-being.
Stretching can allow you to maintain a full range of motion and reduce the risk of injury in high-stress situations.
Balance
Good balance is vital for navigating uneven terrain, crossing streams, or climbing trees.
Incorporate exercises like single-leg stands, balance board workouts, or even slacklining to improve your stability.
And if you want to make the most of your workouts, you can even train outdoors.
This will allow you to become more comfortable with various terrains and weather conditions.
Folks, remember that a fit and healthy physique is one of your most valuable assets in a high-stakes situation.
Don’t let your physical capabilities be your weakest link when it matters most.
Embrace the challenge and strive for an emergency-ready physique.
This Bug-Out “Mistake” Could Prove Fatal When SHTF
Imagine if a hurricane struck tomorrow out of the blue, and you were forced to bug out with no warning.
You grab your bug-out kit, you wake up your kids, you put them in your car
And your car doesn’t start.
What do you do then?
You’re left at God’s mercy.
Our vehicles are essential in emergency situations.
If you don’t want to find yourself in this nightmare situation, you always have to maintain your car.
I know that the probability of your vehicle failing on you at the worst possible moment is slim
But when we are talking about surviving, we have to eliminate anything that might go wrong completely.
Like any tool, your vehicle needs proper maintenance.
You have to ensure that the fluids in your vehicle are regularly maintained and filled to the appropriate level.
This includes oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
Each of these fluids plays a critical role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly and preventing damage to your engine and transmission.
Another important aspect of vehicle maintenance is tire care.
Monitor your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated to the recommended level.
Underinflated tires can cause poor gas mileage, uneven tire wear, and even blowouts on the road.
It’s also crucial to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear.
Then there are the brakes.
If they fail on you at any point, it could lead to a car crash.
Regularly inspecting your vehicle’s brakes is essential.
This includes checking your brake pads and rotors for wear and tear, as well as your brake fluid level.
Properly functioning brakes are essential for safe driving, especially in emergency situations.
Remember, your vehicle is a vital tool for survival.
If it fails on you when you need it the most, the consequences could be catastrophic.
So always make sure it’s up to the task.
The Very First Essential Good That Will Become Extinct When SHTF
In the world of survivalism, one thing is certain. Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere.
Natural catastrophes like earthquakes or hurricanes arrive with no warning.
And every family man and woman should be prepared for them.
A lot of people, however, don’t know how to do that.
With so many different possible scenarios, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to prepare for and what items to gather.
But even though the survival situations are essentially endless, they have one thing in common.
When SHTF, the first essential good that will become scarce will be the same. Water.
Water is the most important ingredient for survival, and yet, it will most likely be the first one to become extinct.
There are many reasons for that.
The most critical one is contamination.
When the power goes out, water treatment facilities and distribution systems may be damaged or cease to function.
When the water supply is compromised, clean water becomes scarce.
During natural emergencies, sewage and other chemicals also end up in the lakes and rivers, making them unsafe to drink.
In situations like these, people become competitive.
They flock to the remaining water sources, creating a high demand that quickly depletes the supply.
That’s why before you do anything else, you need to ensure you always have drinkable water.
Your first step should be to store water.
It’s recommended to have at least one gallon of water per person each day for drinking and hygiene purposes.
Store water in containers that are designed for long-term water storage, like heavy-duty plastic containers or water barrels.
But storing is not enough.
No matter how much you have, it might run out.
You also need to know how to purify water.
There are several methods for water purification, including boiling, using water filters, or using chemical treatments.
Take your time to learn these skills, and practice purifying water, so you’re ready for when the time comes.
During a SHTF scenario, every drop counts.
If you were looking for a way to prioritize your preps, begin with water.
How do you ensure you always have water in your household? Reply and let me know!
How To Turn On Your “SHTF Sensors”
Did you know that you have sensors that detect emergency situations, and respond to them?
And that it was thanks to these “SHTF sensors” that our ancestors managed to survive in spite of the harsh conditions?
You can turn these sensors on whenever you want, even when things are going well.
I will show you how to do that in this newsletter.
I have no idea why this is not common knowledge.
I found that information on a small Youtube page that belongs to an American biologist.
His page should have way more followers than what it currently has.
If more people knew about this, there would be less disease.
People would live longer.
And they would make it unscathed out of survival situations.
It has to do with how our systems developed ages ago.
Our ancestors did not have the abundance of food that we have nowadays.
They would eat whenever they successfully hunted an animal, or when they’d find something edible in the surrounding land.
In other words, they would eat a lot less often than us.
This might sound like a bad thing, but it’s not.
This activated their survival sensors and gave them more energy to keep hunting.
It kept them from getting sick even though they did not have houses to protect them from the cold.
And it made them feel alert.
Nowadays, however, this rarely happens.
Whenever we feel hungry, we can just have food delivered to our houses, or go out to eat.
This makes our systems feel like they have everything they need to survive.
So they become “lazy.”
They don’t expend energy to defend themselves because there is no need for it.
So our metabolism goes down.
We burn less fat.
And most importantly, we are not ready for when a real SHTF scenario occurs.
Imagine if you asked a modern man to survive in the harsh conditions of the past.
Without having food to eat, shelter, or first aid.
These conditions could occur in survival situations.
But most people are not ready for them.
However, there is an easy answer to that.
You can begin to turn on your survival sensors as early as tomorrow.
If you simply limit your eating hours, then you can trick your system into thinking there is not a lot of food around.
I am not asking you to eat fewer calories.
But to simply restrict your eating to a shorter period of time each day, such as 6-8 hours, instead of the whole time you are awake.
People nowadays refer to this as “fasting.”
This will make you feel hungry (something we rarely experience nowadays), and activate your SHTF sensors.
And it will greatly improve your health and allow you to survive emergency situations.
Why don’t you try it?
This Ancient Skill Could Protect You When SHTF
As humanity evolved, we learned to use technology to simplify our lives.
And while this made our survival easier…it gave us an “excuse” to not develop critical skills that could come in handy in emergencies.
There is a skill that our ancestors had carefully developed, that is pretty much forgotten nowadays….
Navigation.
If God forbid, you are ever caught in a survival situation, you need to know how to navigate.
Why?
Because being lost in the wilderness can be a dangerous and disorienting experience.
If your smartphone doesn’t have any signal, you need alternative ways to find your way.
Without a sense of direction, you may wander aimlessly, depleting your energy and resources.
Even worse, you may end up in a hazardous or risky situation.
That’s where navigation and orienteering come in.
These skills allow you to determine your position and plan a route to safety or civilization.
So let’s go into some practical tips for navigating and orienteering in the wilderness.
Always carry a map and a compass.
A map will give you an overview of the area you’re in and help you plan your route. A compass will help you determine your direction and stay on course.
You should teach yourself how to use them.
Familiarize yourself with the symbols and features on your map, and practice using your compass to take bearings and follow a straight line.
Use natural landmarks to orient yourself.
Look for prominent features like mountains, rivers, and valleys to help you find your bearings.
You can also mark nearby trees or rocks to make sure you are not walking in circles.
Pay attention to the sun and the stars.
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so you can use it to determine your general direction.
At night, look for the North Star (also known as Polaris) to find the North.
Practice “dead reckoning.”
This is a navigation technique where you estimate your position based on the distance and direction you’ve traveled.
It’s a good backup plan if you don’t have a map or compass.
Remember, being able to navigate and orienteer is a crucial survival skill.
It will help you find your way back to civilization or to a safe location.
You might need it when you least expect it.
That’s why I believe everyone should have it in their prepping skillset.
Should You Drive Away When SHTF?
I was chatting with someone at the supermarket the other day.
And at some point during our conversation he said that if SHTF, he’d just “drive away.”
This is something that I hear many people say. But the truth is, “simply driving away” isn’t always an option.
There are a lot of things to consider when bugging out on vehicle. Let’s go through them.
Road Conditions.
During emergency situations, road conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
This may be due to natural emergencies like earthquakes, floods, or landslides.
Or man-made risks like riots, roadblocks, and infrastructure damage.
Navigating such treacherous conditions will require a well-equipped, capable vehicle with sufficient fuel.
Having spare tires and a tire repair kit is also essential.
Congestion…
In emergencies, people will likely attempt to evacuate simultaneously, causing annoying bottlenecks.
This can be especially problematic in urban areas where roads are already congested.
If you don’t want to become stuck in such situations, consider alternative routes and have a backup plan in case your primary escape route becomes impassable.
Fuel Availability…
Fuel stations may run out or become inaccessible during an emergency.
To ensure your vehicle’s continuous operation, store extra fuel in safe, approved containers.
Just be mindful of the expiration dates and storage conditions of your fuel reserves.
Additionally, consider using a fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicle to maximize your range.
Communication and navigation…
When SHTF, traditional communication and navigation systems may become unreliable or non-functional.
Having a CB or HAM radio in your vehicle can allow you to stay informed about local conditions.
And don’t forget to keep a physical map and a compass in your vehicle as a backup.
Vehicle Security…
When things go wrong, your vehicle might become a target.
People might attempt to steal it from you. To reduce the risk, ensure your vehicle is secure and unnoticeable.
Also, consider using a steering wheel lock, a car alarm, or a concealed immobilization device to deter would-be thieves.
As you can see, evacuating by vehicle is more complicated than most people think.
There are a lot of factors at stake.
If this is too much to remember, write them down, so that you can make an informed decision when the time comes.
Imagine you’re coming back from work one day, and you receive this message.
“Emergency Alert – Hurricane Warning”
You are being instructed to evacuate as quickly as possible.
But that doesn’t scare you.
You grab your bug-out bag, gather your family, and head for the road.
Following your carefully planned escape route.
But there’s one factor you haven’t considered. Everyone else is trying to do the same thing.
The reality is, when emergency strikes, roads will be congested, gas stations will run dry, and tensions will be high.
And the approaching hurricane will not be making things any easier.
Doesn’t sound ideal, does it?
This is why having one escape route is not enough.
You need multiple options.
Begin by evaluating your escape routes and identifying less-traveled alternatives that could allow you to stay away from congested areas.
Also, consider the timing of your departure. Leaving at the first sign of trouble, before the masses clog the road, could give you a critical head start.
Additionally, it’s essential to prepare for the possibility that you may need to abandon your vehicle and continue on foot.
Ensure that your bug-out bag is equipped with the necessary items for a long trek and that your loved ones are physically prepared for such a journey.
And don’t forget to have a backup plan.
In the unpredictable world we live in, it’s essential to be adaptable and ready to alter course if your initial plan proves unfeasible.
I know people who are dead set on their emergency plans, and refuse to modify them.
However, adaptability is essential in emergency situations.
By taking the time to rethink your bug-out plan you can account for the often-overlooked risk of getting caught in the disarray of a mass evacuation.
And you can make more informed decisions when emergency strikes.
Remember, it’s not just about planning for things you can expect. It’s also about being ready to face unexpected challenges that may arise along the way.
So take the time to consider every option available.
Don’t Bug Out Unless You’ve Thought About This
Sometimes we have to make tough decisions.
Decisions that can determine the fate of our families and our own future.
One of these decisions is knowing when to bug out, and when to stay put.
Deciding whether you should bug out or not is like choosing a partner.
It can either make you or break you.
Sometimes, it can be a lifesaving choice.
But bug out when you shouldn’t, and the consequences could be catastrophic.
I will tell you everything you need to know before you make a decision.
So you can protect yourself and your family with confidence.
First and foremost, always trust your instincts.
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, our intuition is an incredible thing that can assist in guiding us in high-stress situations.
If your gut is telling you that it’s time to bug out, take that feeling seriously.
Next, consider the severity of the hazard.
Is it something that’s likely to escalate?
Or is it a situation that may subside without causing any significant harm?
For example, if you’re facing a natural emergency like a wildfire or hurricane, bugging out might be the greatest option to escape imminent risk.
On the other hand, if it’s a temporary power outage or a localized matter, staying put might be wise.
So these are the factors that you can’t control
Let’s talk about the things you can control.
Your resources.
When deciding whether to bug out or not, take a good look at your stockpiles.
If you have enough food, water, and first aid to last you throughout the whole emergency, then might want to stay indoors.
But if you need to look elsewhere for gear and essentials, then evacuating could be a necessity.
Then there’s the condition of your vehicle.
Whether we like it or not, our cars are essential for bugging out.
Evacuating on foot can be a hundred times tougher.
Another critical factor is the well-being of your family.
If you have young children, elderly relatives, or anyone with special needs, bugging out may be more challenging.
In some cases, staying put and fortifying your house could be safer.
Making the decision to bug out or not isn’t easy.
By considering these factors, however, you can pick the correct option.
Remember, having a well-thought-out plan in place will always beat getting caught unprepared.
So think about the things that you can and can’t control, and choose wisely.
Did you know you have an incredible prepping tool in your bathroom cabinet?
It’s true. No one thinks about it.
And yet dental floss has many uses that might come in handy when the chips are down.
First and foremost, it is essential for maintaining oral hygiene.
In a post-emergency scenario, dental care may be nonexistent.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential for preventing infections and other health hazards.
Dental floss can allow you to maintain good oral health, even in the most challenging circumstances.
But beyond its primary use, it has a surprising number of other applications that can come in handy in an emergency situation.
Its thin yet incredibly strong nature makes it a versatile tool.
For example, dental floss can be used as a makeshift fishing line.
If you find yourself needing to catch fish for sustenance, simply attach a hook to the end of the floss and cast it into the water.
Its inconspicuous appearance makes it less likely to scare fish, and its strength ensures that it can handle the weight of your catch.
Another practical use for dental floss is as a sturdy thread for sewing.
Whether you need to mend torn clothing, stitch up a wound, or create makeshift gear, dental floss is a reliable option.
Dental floss can also be used to create a tripwire alarm system around your camp or bug-out location.
By stretching it taut between trees or other anchor points, you can create a simple perimeter that will alert you if someone or something attempts to enter your area.
Tie a few aluminum cans or other noise-making objects to the floss, and you’ll have an early warning system in place.
These are just a few examples of the many uses for dental floss in an emergency situation.
What I love the most about it is that it comes in small packaging, so it doesn’t take up any space in your bug-out bag.
As fate would have it, the hurricane changed course at the last minute, and our town was spared from its wrath.
My neighbor chuckled as he recalled my diligent preparations, suggesting that everything was a waste since the storm didn’t hit.
But was it, really?
Upon reflecting on the situation, I realized that even though the hurricane didn’t reach my house, I gained something invaluable from my preparations. Peace of mind.
You see, while everyone else was frantically scrambling and praying that the storm went away…I didn’t have to.
I knew I had done everything in my power to keep my family safe.
And I remained calm.
That, folks, is the true value of prepping.
When we invest in emergency preparedness, we’re not just planning for worst-case scenarios; we’re investing in our own mental and emotional well-being.
Every emergency situation happens when you least expect it.
Imagine you’re coming back from work after a long Friday
You are thinking about how you’re going to spend the weekend with your family
When bam! You hear a heavy noise and your car begins to shake. Flat tire.
And just your luck, it’s pouring rain outside. Are you ready for this kind of situation?
Having a well-stocked car can be a real lifesaver when emergencies arise.
I want to give you the 7 essentials that every car should have to handle unexpected situations like a champ.
1) Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
A flat tire can happen at any time. And trust me, you don’t want to be caught without what you need to repair it.
Make sure you have a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench in your car at any time.
2) Jumper cables
Dead batteries are a common concern. Sometimes it’s just a matter of giving your car a little jumpstart.
Having a good set of jumper cables in your trunk will ensure you can return to the road quickly.
3) First-aid kit
A solid first-aid kit will assist you with minor injuries for yourself and your loved ones.
4) Flashlight and batteries
Whether it’s a nighttime flat tire or a quick look under the hood, having a reliable flashlight with additional batteries will make everything easier during unexpected situations.
5) Emergency blankets and warm clothing
If you spend the night in your car, emergency blankets are essential for avoiding hypothermia. Especially in cold weather.
Everyone should have a few lightweight blankets in their cars.
6) Non-perishable food and water
Keep some non-perishable snacks and water in your car to ensure you will remain safe in case you’re stranded for an extended period.
I was reminiscing about a hunting trip I took a few years back.
It was supposed to be a quiet couple of days, just me and nature. But, as fate would have it, it wasn’t quite that simple.
As the dawn broke, I spotted a fine-looking deer.
However, I noticed something odd about its movements.
The deer seemed disoriented, stumbling, and acting unnaturally. It struck me then that this was not a safe animal to hunt.
See, it wasn’t about the deer itself, but with what might be lurking inside it.
This deer could have been exposed to harmful contaminants that can make the meat unsafe to consume.
Think about it like this.
When SHTF, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat can become contaminated.
And the same applies to the wildlife around us.
Certain times and places make it risky to hunt due to the likelihood of contamination.
These are the 4 most common scenarios when you should steer clear of hunting
Post-Industrial Areas
Industrial waste can seep into the environment and contaminate local wildlife.
Don’t hunt near abandoned factories or industrial zones where the local animals might have been exposed to harmful pollutants.
Post-Nuclear Events
If there’s been a nuclear event in your area, radiation can contaminate animals for a significant time. The risk isn’t worth the potential food source.
During and After Wildfires
Wildfires can release heavy metals and toxins from burnt materials into the atmosphere. Animals exposed to these contaminants can become unsafe to eat.
Disease Outbreaks
Certain diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer can affect the safety of the meat.
Look out for erratic behavior, drooling, or lack of coordination in animals as signs of potential disease.
Hunting is more than just getting a good shot.
It’s about understanding the animal, the environment, and the potential risks involved.
It’s crucial to be aware of these dangers and make informed decisions about when to hunt and when to let it go.
So next time you’re out in the wilderness, remember to consider more than just the size of the game you spot.
Have you ever considered having fun with prepping?
Well you can check out my survival prepping TikTok videos here, or just read below!
Survival prepping is not something that is discussed often in this world, but it is starting to get noticed more and more on a daily basis, and that is a fact!
Especially since we are constantly thinking about survival.
What is the point of survival, however, if we are not enjoying our lives?
This might sound too philosophical, but it is a simple thought that not enough people talk about.
I want to share with you a simple way to make prepping easier, and perhaps even relaxing.
First, let’s talk about why you would even need to make prepping fun.
It is simple, really.
We want to survive not just for a day, not for a few weeks, but for years ahead.
It is simply not sustainable to constantly take everything so seriously.
We need to be able to do this for a long time.
A very simple way to do that is by incorporating family activities into your prepping routine.
That makes the process more enjoyable for everyone, and also ensures that everyone in your household is prepared for whatever may come.
For example, you make a game for your children out of prepping.
Create hypothetical survival scenarios where the whole family has to help to survive.
We actually did this last week at my house.
We pretended the water was contaminated and we had to find alternative drinking sources.
And my children did some research online and even found a cool way to purify water.
I hadn’t ever seen them more excited to help with anything prepping-related!
Why don’t you also try it?
Another way to make prepping a family activity is to take a trip to a wilderness survival training course.
These courses teach you and your family valuable skills such as building a shelter, finding food and water, and starting a fire.
Prepping doesn’t just have to be about stocking up and making plans.
By incorporating fun activities into your prepping routine, you can make sure that your whole family is prepared, while also having a good time.
So don’t be afraid to think outside the box and make prepping a family activity.
Try to have your whole family involved in the prepping process.
5 Different Ways To Prep On A Budget
A lot of people have told me that they would prep, but they just can’t afford it.
And to some degree, they have a point.
Prepping might be costly, even if it protects you from spending resources in the future.
For example, if you insulate your house or install solar panels, you will be wasting less energy for years.
But you would still have to put the initial payment down.
If you can’t afford to do that, does that mean that you can’t do anything?
Well, not exactly.
Another resource that a lot of people neglect is time.
If you are willing to put some time into preparing for survival, you don’t need to make any huge investments upfront.
I have gathered different 5 ways you can use to stay safe even if you can’t afford to make large investments.
Learn to make prepping gear yourself.
Back in the day, this is how our grandparents would prep.
They simply couldn’t shop for most things back then.
If you have the time, you can make your own soap, candles, and even fire paste!
It might seem too hard if you haven’t done this before, but you will also be gaining valuable skills that could come in handy in survival situations.
Identify what you already have on hand.
Most people already own basic items like flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits.
Make a list of what you already have, and then focus on slowly adding the items you still need.
Shop in bulk.
Many prepping items can be purchased in bulk for cheaper.
If you find the places that sell them, you will be saving yourself a lot of time and resources.
Look for used items.
You can find many prepping items, such as camping gear, at a fraction of what you would normally pay.
Look out for flea markets, thrift stores, and online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for deals on prepping gear.
Prefer multi-purpose items.
Instead of buying a separate tool for every task, look for items that can be used for multiple purposes.
For example, a good quality folding knife can be used for cutting rope, opening cans, and even as a makeshift screwdriver.